Dutch Pear Pie With Spiced Caramel Sauce Recipe

Cozy Dutch Pear Pie with Spiced Caramel Sauce Recipe

Sweet autumn afternoons call for a delightful Dutch pear pie with spiced caramel sauce that melts hearts instantly.

Ripe, juicy pears nestle between layers of buttery, flaky crust in this classic dessert.

Each slice promises a symphony of warm spices and rich caramel notes dancing across your palate.

The aroma of cinnamon and nutmeg fills the kitchen, creating an irresistible invitation to indulge.

Seasonal ingredients transform this humble pie into a spectacular treat that celebrates simplicity and flavor.

Comforting and elegant, this dessert brings a touch of Dutch culinary magic to your table.

Prepare to fall in love with every decadent, caramel-drizzled bite.

FAQs

  • What type of pears work best for this pie?

Bosc or Anjou pears are ideal because they hold their shape well during baking and have a firm texture that prevents turning mushy.

  • Can I substitute pear brandy?

Yes, you can use regular brandy or apple brandy. If avoiding alcohol, replace with apple juice or pear nectar for similar depth of flavor.

  • How do I know when the pie is properly baked?

Look for a golden-brown crumble topping and bubbling juices around the edges. The filling should look thick and slightly set when you gently move the pie.

  • Why do I need to freeze the pie crust before baking?

Freezing helps prevent shrinkage and maintains the crust’s shape, ensuring a flaky and crisp bottom that doesn’t become soggy from the pear filling.

Why Dutch Pear Pie With Caramel Sauce Stands Out

  • Celebrate Holiday Cheer: Transform your kitchen into a festive wonderland with these delightful Grinch-themed cookies that bring whimsical Christmas spirit to life.
  • Bake with Minimal Effort: Create stunning green cookies using a simple cake mix base, requiring just a few ingredients and basic mixing techniques for stunning results.
  • Craft Kid-Friendly Treats: Engage children in holiday baking with an interactive recipe that lets them roll dough in powdered sugar and add cute heart sprinkles, making memories together.
  • Impress Guests Instantly: Serve up a conversation-starting dessert that captures the playful essence of the beloved Grinch character, perfect for holiday parties and family gatherings.

Everything for Spiced Pear Pie Success

Pie Crust:
  • All-Purpose Flour: A staple ingredient that provides structure and texture for the pie crust.
  • Butter: Creates a rich, flaky foundation for the pie crust with its luxurious flavor.
Filling:
  • Pears: Fresh and juicy fruit that forms the heart of this delightful Dutch-style pie.
  • Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps caramelize the pear filling.
  • Cornstarch: Ensures the pie filling thickens perfectly and maintains a smooth consistency.
  • Lemon Juice: Brightens the flavor and prevents the pears from browning.
  • Pear Brandy: Enhances the pear flavor with a sophisticated alcoholic touch.
Spice and Crumble Topping:
  • Brown Sugar, Oats, All-Purpose Flour, Salt: Create a crumbly, sweet topping with wonderful texture.
  • Cinnamon, Ginger, Nutmeg, Allspice: Warm spices that add depth and complexity to the pie's flavor profile.
Caramel Sauce:
  • Heavy Cream, Brown Sugar: Form the rich base of the caramel sauce.
  • Butter, Vanilla: Add richness and depth to the caramel's flavor.
  • Pear Brandy, Salt, Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Ginger, Allspice: Provide additional warmth and complexity to the sauce.

Steps for Baking Dutch Pear Pie at Home

Step 1: Craft the Pie Crust

Warm up your oven to 400F and position the rack at the bottom. Roll out your dough into a circular shape about 13 inches wide on a flour-dusted surface.

Gently transfer the dough into a 9-inch deep-dish pie plate. Trim the edges, fold them under, and create a beautiful crimped border.

Pop the crust into the freezer for a quick 20-minute chill.

Step 2: Create the Crumbly Topping

Grab a mixing bowl and combine:
  • Flour
  • Oats
  • Brown sugar
  • Salt

Toss in cold butter and use your fingertips to blend until the mixture looks like rough crumbs.

Stash the topping in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use it.

Step 3: Assemble the Fruity Filling

Line a baking sheet with foil.

In a large bowl, whisk together:
  • Granulated sugar
  • Cornstarch
  • Salt
  • Cinnamon
  • Ginger
  • Nutmeg
  • Allspice

Fold in fresh pears, squeeze of lemon juice, and a splash of pear brandy. Gently toss to coat the pears evenly.

Transfer the mixture into your prepared pie crust and sprinkle the chilled crumble topping over the fruit, breaking it into delightful clusters.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the pie onto the foil-lined baking sheet.

Bake for 30 minutes at 400F. Lower the temperature to 375F and continue baking for 30-35 minutes until the topping turns golden and the filling bubbles beautifully.

Let the pie cool completely on a wire rack.

Step 5: Whip Up Spiced Caramel Sauce

In a medium saucepan, combine cream and brown sugar.

Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring frequently. Let it gently bubble for 5 minutes.

Remove from heat and stir in:
  • Pear brandy
  • Butter
  • Vanilla
  • Salt
  • Cinnamon
  • Nutmeg
  • Ginger
  • Allspice

Step 6: Serve and Savor

Slice the pie and drizzle with warm spiced caramel sauce. Celebrate the cozy flavors of this autumn-inspired dessert.

Notes for Sweet and Spiced Pear Pie Fans

  • Freeze the pie crust for 20 minutes before baking to help maintain its crisp texture and prevent a wet bottom.
  • Select firm, slightly underripe pears that will hold their shape during baking and provide a perfect texture to the filling.
  • Toss pears with cornstarch to help thicken the filling and prevent excess liquid from making the pie soggy.
  • Break the crumble topping into varied-sized clumps for a more interesting and textured surface that browns beautifully.
  • Use pear brandy in both the filling and caramel sauce to intensify the pie's rich, fruity undertones.

Fun Swaps for Dutch Pear Pie Recipes

  • Gluten-Free Pear Crumble: Replace wheat flour with almond or oat flour in both crust and topping. Use gluten-free cornstarch and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
  • Vegan Spiced Pear Pie: Substitute butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine. Use plant-based cream for caramel sauce and replace eggs with ground flaxseed mixture.
  • Apple-Pear Autumn Fusion: Swap half the pears with crisp apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith. Maintain original spice blend for rich seasonal flavor profile.
  • Low-Sugar Berry Alternative: Reduce sugar content by using stevia or monk fruit sweetener. Add mixed berries alongside pears for natural sweetness and vibrant color contrast.

Pairings for Caramel Pear Pie Slices

  • Pair with Creamy Companions: Vanilla bean ice cream or whipped mascarpone cream complement the pie's warm spices and rich caramel, creating a luxurious dessert experience.
  • Enhance with Beverage Harmony: Spiced rum cocktail or mulled cider beautifully match the pie's autumnal flavors, offering a cozy and complementary drink pairing.
  • Elevate with Cheese Accent: Aged gouda or sharp white cheddar provide a delightful savory contrast to the sweet pie, balancing the dessert's rich caramel and fruit notes.
  • Boost with Nutty Topping: Toasted pecans or sliced almonds sprinkled over the pie add delightful crunch and earthy depth, enhancing the texture and flavor profile.

Storing Pear Pie for Fall Desserts

  • Store leftover pie covered with plastic wrap or aluminum foil in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep the caramel sauce in a separate sealed container.
  • Wrap the completely cooled pie tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
  • Warm individual slices in the oven at 350F for 10-15 minutes to restore crispness. Place on a baking sheet and cover loosely with foil to prevent over-browning.
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Dutch Pear Pie With Spiced Caramel Sauce Recipe

Dutch Pear Pie With Spiced Caramel Sauce Recipe


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4.8 from 13 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Irresistible Dutch pear pie dances with warm spices and silky caramel, creating a dessert that whispers comfort and elegance. Generous slices promise pure indulgence, inviting you to savor each perfect bite of this classic Netherlands-inspired sweet treat.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 6 medium pears, peeled and sliced
  • 1/2 recipe basic pie dough

Filling Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Sauce and Topping Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

Instructions

  1. Craft the pie crust by rolling dough into a 13-inch circle on a flour-dusted surface, carefully nestling it into a 9-inch deep-dish pie plate. Trim excess dough, elegantly fold edges, and create a decorative crimp. Chill in the freezer for 20 minutes at 400F.
  2. Create the crumble topping by combining flour, oats, brown sugar, and salt in a mixing bowl. Incorporate cold butter using fingertips until the mixture transforms into rustic crumbs. Refrigerate until needed.
  3. Prepare the filling by whisking together granulated sugar, cornstarch, salt, and warming spices like cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and allspice in a large bowl. Gently fold in sliced pears, splash of lemon juice, and pear brandy, ensuring each pear piece is evenly coated.
  4. Transfer the spiced pear mixture into the chilled pie crust, generously sprinkle the crumble topping, breaking into appealing clusters for maximum texture.
  5. Position the pie on a foil-lined baking sheet and bake at 400F for 30 minutes. Reduce temperature to 375F and continue baking for 30-35 minutes until the topping turns golden and fruit juices bubble tantalizingly.
  6. While pie cools on a wire rack, craft the spiced caramel sauce by combining cream and brown sugar in a saucepan. Bring to a gentle boil over medium-high heat for 5 minutes, stirring frequently.
  7. Remove caramel from heat and enrich with pear brandy, butter, vanilla, salt, and a harmonious blend of warming spices. Stir until smooth and fragrant.
  8. Serve pie slices adorned with warm, aromatic caramel sauce, celebrating autumn’s comforting flavors.

Notes

  • Prevent soggy crust by thoroughly drying pears and patting them with paper towels before mixing with other ingredients.
  • Swap pear brandy with apple juice or additional lemon juice for a non-alcoholic version that maintains flavor complexity.
  • Enhance texture by using a mix of firm and ripe pears, ensuring a balance between softness and slight crunch in the filling.
  • Elevate serving experience by pairing with vanilla bean ice cream or whipped cream to complement the warm spices and caramel sauce.
  • Prep Time: 45 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Dutch

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 250 kcal
  • Sugar: 12 g
  • Sodium: 180 mg
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
Jess Martinez

Jess Martinez

Contributing Recipe Writer & Nutrition Consultant

Expertise

Southwestern and Latin American cooking, Nutritional analysis and healthy recipe planning, Cultural food traditions, Modifying traditional dishes for better health

Education

Santa Fe Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Focused on mastering the flavors and cooking methods of traditional Southwestern cuisine.


Jess’s love for bold, homegrown flavors led her straight into the world of Southwestern cooking and cultural nutrition.
After completing her Certificate in Culinary Arts at Santa Fe Community College, she made it her mission to show that good-for-you food can still taste incredible.
At saltytart.com, Jess shares vibrant, health-conscious recipes with roots in tradition but a fresh, modern twist. When she’s not testing new recipes, you’ll find her at local growers’ markets, tending her herb garden, or digging into food history books.

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